Lamb Tagine With Chickpeas And Apricots Recipes

LAMB TAGINE WITH CHICKPEAS AND APRICOTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on high heat. Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper. Sear lamb on all sides until brown crust develops. Remove from pan and set aside.
• Reduce heat to medium. Add an additional tablespoon of oil if needed. Add onions and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add garlic, ginger, and ground spices. Saute for 1 minute more.
• Spoon the onion mixture into the bottom of a tagine. To this, add the tomatoes, chickpeas, and apricots.
• Arrange the lamb shanks on top of this mixture and then pour in the 2 cups of chicken stock- you may need a little more or less depending on the size of your lamb. Lightly stir the sauce mixture underneath the lamb to combine the flavors a bit, and spoon some of the onion mixture over the top of the lamb.
• Cover your tagine with it's lid and bake in the oven for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until lamb is fork-tender.
• Taste sauce (carefully) and season with additional salt to taste.
• Garnish with cilantro if desired.
• Serve with couscous.

LAMB TAGINE WITH CHICKPEAS AND APRICOTS

Steps:

• Place chickpeas in a medium saucepan. Add water to cover by 2". Let soak overnight.
• Drain chickpeas; return to same saucepan. Add 2 whole garlic cloves and cinnamon stick. Add water to cover by 2". Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until chickpeas are tender, about 45 minutes. Drain; set aside.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Season lamb with salt and pepper. Working in batches, brown lamb on all sides, about 4 minutes per batch. Transfer lamb to a medium bowl. Add onion to pot; reduce heat to medium, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until soft and beginning to turn golden, about 5 minutes. Add chopped garlic, Ras-el-Hanout, and ginger. Stir for 1 minute. Add tomatoes and lamb with any accumulated juices. Bring to a boil. Add 2 1/2 cups stock. Return to a boil, reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until lamb is tender, about 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Stir in chickpeas; simmer until heated through, about 10 minutes. Stir in apricots; simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Spoon couscous onto a large, shallow platter, forming a large well in center. Spoon tagine into center. Sprinkle cilantro over.